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Consider the supply and demand for cell phones. The market demand for cars is gi

ID: 1189300 • Letter: C

Question

Consider the supply and demand for cell phones. The market demand for cars is given by Q_D = 7000-30P and supply is given by Q_S = 1000

a) Find the equilibrium price and quantity.

Suppose that consumers change their expectations and believe their future income will be lower. This causes the demand curve to shift to Q_D=6500-30P

b) If prices are sticky, does this shock lead to a surplus or a shortage? By how much?

c) If prices are flexible, does this shock lead to inflation or deflation? By how much?

Explanation / Answer

a.

Demand curve Qd = 7000-30P and supply is given by Qs= 1000

Market will at equilibrium where demand is equal to supply.

7000-30P=1000

P=200

Qs=Qd=1000

b.

Changes in consumer expectation about their future income changes their preferences for product, therefore demand curve will shift.

Qd’=6500-30P

And price is P=200, Qd’=500

And supply Qs=1000

Since supply is more than demand, there is market surplus.

Surplus= Qs’-Qd’=500

c.

When price is flexible, so market will at equilibrium where demand is equal to supply.

6500-30P=1000

550/3=P=183.33

Due to shift in demand curve the price of product decreases. Therefore demand shocks lead to deflation in the economy.

Deflation=(P2-P1)*100/P1=(200-183.33)*100/200=8.33%